Seven races scheduled at Missouri State Fair Speedway

First of seven sprint car races — one per month — at Missouri State Fair Speedway is a day race scheduled for April 17

Last August’s sprint car race at the Missouri State Fair Speedway drew a large crowd in Sedalia. Photo courtesy of Mike Riley

Racing returned to the Missouri State Fair Speedway half-mile last year at the Missouri State Fair for the first time in three years to great fanfare and an exciting race. A seven-race schedule begins April 17. Photo courtesy of Mike Riley

Andrew Turley drives his ASCS Sprint Car on the back straightaway during a heat race last year at Missouri State Fair Speedway. The half-mile speedway is welcoming a seven-race schedule beginning April 17. Democrat File photo

First of seven sprint car races — one per month — at Missouri State Fair Speedway is a day race scheduled for April 17

Last August’s sprint car race at the Missouri State Fair Speedway drew a large crowd in Sedalia. Photo courtesy of Mike Riley

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_race1.jpgLast August’s sprint car race at the Missouri State Fair Speedway drew a large crowd in Sedalia. Photo courtesy of Mike Riley

Racing returned to the Missouri State Fair Speedway half-mile last year at the Missouri State Fair for the first time in three years to great fanfare and an exciting race. A seven-race schedule begins April 17. Photo courtesy of Mike Riley

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_race2.jpgRacing returned to the Missouri State Fair Speedway half-mile last year at the Missouri State Fair for the first time in three years to great fanfare and an exciting race. A seven-race schedule begins April 17. Photo courtesy of Mike Riley

Andrew Turley drives his ASCS Sprint Car on the back straightaway during a heat race last year at Missouri State Fair Speedway. The half-mile speedway is welcoming a seven-race schedule beginning April 17. Democrat File photo

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_SECONDARY-ART-TURLEY-FAIR.jpgAndrew Turley drives his ASCS Sprint Car on the back straightaway during a heat race last year at Missouri State Fair Speedway. The half-mile speedway is welcoming a seven-race schedule beginning April 17. Democrat File photo

It all started with a question.

“What’s going on in Sedalia?”

That question, asked by longtime racing promoter Gerry Olson in January 2015, initiated the process of reopening the Missouri State Fair Speedway for the first time in three years.

Sprint car racing made its triumphant return to the half-mile speedway last year during the Missouri State Fair.

The success of a 35-car ASCS Sprint Car race at the State Fair in August prompted a seven-race series beginning April 17.

Each event will feature two sprint car entities per night, with ASCS winged warriors and MLRA late models showcasing the first night.

All races pay $5,000 to win, save for the Missouri State Fair ASCS national sprint cars race Aug. 21, which pays $15,000.

The Speedway also will host races May 20, June 17, July 7, Sept. 17 and Oct. 1.

“The community has a great vibe for racing,” Olson said. “People in the community are good race fans … And the track layout is super-duper, I think. It’s got a great layout to it.”

Olson did mention the track is more conducive to monthly races, as opposed to a weekly schedule.

After a process of more than 18 months, Olson, and local racing fans, will have an answer to, “What’s going on in Sedalia?”

Hot laps for April 17, the only day race on the schedule, are slated for 1 p.m. Racing begins at 2 p.m. Adult ticket prices are listed at $25, seniors and military at $21, teens ages 13-17 at $10 and children under 12 are granted free entry.

Alex Agueros can be reached at 660-826-1000, ext. 1483 or on Twitter @abagueros2